External otitis

External otitis (also known as Swimmer's ear) is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is often caused by water that remains in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The most common cause of external otitis is bacterial infection, particularly from species such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Other causes can include fungal infection, allergic reaction, or irritation from devices inserted into the ear, such as hearing aids or ear plugs.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of external otitis can include:

Pain in the ear (otalgia)
Itching in the ear canal
Redness and swelling of the ear
Discharge from the ear
Hearing loss

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of external otitis is typically based on the symptoms and physical examination of the ear. The doctor may use an otoscope to look into the ear canal and check for redness, swelling, and discharge. In some cases, a sample of the discharge may be taken for laboratory testing to identify the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for external otitis usually involves antibiotic ear drops to kill the bacteria or fungus. If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be inserted into the ear to help the drops reach further into the canal. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and the ear should be kept dry to help prevent further infection.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of external otitis can include:

Drying the ears thoroughly after swimming or showering
Avoiding swimming in polluted water
Not inserting objects into the ear canal
Using a swimming cap or ear plugs when swimming

See also[edit | edit source]

External otitis Resources
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